One of the top television programs of the 1960s was The Red Skelton Show, named after the star comedian.
This program consistently met peoples’ expectations for entertainment.
The filmmakers occasionally shifted their attention to heavier topics, as seen in this video.
This particular monologue’s subject was decided upon based on the significance of the words used in the Pledge of Allegiance. The host of the program reflects on a time when he was in school and one of his teachers gave him a lesson he would never forget.
Red relates how his teacher expressed displeasure with the frequency of the pledge repetitions. He wanted the children to understand everything they were saying. His ability to recall that speech verbatim now, many years later, shows that his teacher’s remarks had an impact on him.
The teacher defined each term in the speech literally, which made it fascinating. One of the more straightforward explanations stated that a state was a group of towns divided by fictitious lines but united in purpose. After that, Red’s teacher moved on to more challenging topics like how the flag represents freedom wherever it is proudly flown.
After outlining these important terms, Red’s teacher asked the students to repeat the promise. They would undoubtedly have changed their view of the vow as a result of their newly acquired knowledge.
Any nationalist would find his speech motivating. It’s clear what Red is trying to say. Information gives one power. Our children need more than just recitation. They must understand why certain things are sacred in an unbreakable way and why things are the way they are. We won’t be able to produce independent-thinking adults any other way.
